Mary Habila: Fresh details emerges on physiotherapist who died in Umahi’s residence, body found naked as police probe deepens

Mary Habila, a physiotherapist, has been found dead at the country residence of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, in Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, with police continuing investigations into the circumstances surrounding her death.

The incident, which reportedly occurred on June 27, 2026, has attracted widespread public attention following conflicting accounts over the events leading to her death.

According to reports, Habila and another woman, Anita Baski, travelled from Kaduna State to Ebonyi on June 26 and arrived at the minister’s residence a day before the incident.

SaharaReporters, citing police sources, alleged that Habila was found unresponsive the following morning and that her body was recovered without clothing. The publication also claimed that a police officer attached to the minister facilitated the women’s visit and alerted medical personnel after the incident.

The Minister of Works, however, confirmed that Habila died at his residence but dismissed suggestions of wrongdoing. In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nwaze, Umahi described the incident as “unfortunate” and said Habila and Anita Baski were physiotherapists from the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences who had been seconded to the Federal Ministry of Works.

Umahi said medical personnel, including the Chief Medical Director of the university, were immediately contacted after the incident, while the police were notified in line with legal procedures.

He also disclosed that he personally received Habila’s parents, expressed his condolences, and advised the family to approve an autopsy to establish the exact cause of death scientifically. According to the minister, the family initially declined the request.

Meanwhile, police have transferred the investigation from the Ohaozara Divisional Police Headquarters to the Ebonyi State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Abakaliki as detectives continue efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

Authorities are yet to release the outcome of the investigation or officially establish the cause of death.

Follow Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!